Page 31 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

3 flat knots

Flat knots are made in two dimensions and come are seven bights or ‘bumps’ around the perimeter
in round, square, or other geometric plane figures. and six parts crossing each other around the inside
Cruciform (cross-shaped) knots are covered in of the knot. The leads are the pieces that make up
Chapter 11, but all other flat knots are in this the crossings from outside to inside. The leads may
chapter. They are, of course, not really flat – rather, be doubled, as they are here, or they can be tripled,
they are made so that there is only one intended or doubled and doubled again – whatever fits the
depth, that of the crossing of one line over size of cord you are using. More bights would result
another. in a greater roundness, but would also cause there to
be more bights on the inside, making the knot some-
ROund-Shaped Flat KnOtS what more open in the centre for a flat mat (many
One of the first round flat knots to try is a mat using bights in the centre results in a crowded and bulky
one variety of the Turk’s Head Knot. Turk’s Head centre).
Knots are described by the number of bights around This round flat mat, using the Turk’s Head
the perimeter, the number of leads or crossings pattern, took fifteen feet of ¼-inch cord and ended
they make from the outside toward the centre, and up being quite tight and about six inches across,
the number of times the original length of cord is just to give you some idea of scale. Take a look at
doubled, tripled, or doubled again! The following other Turk’s Head Knots throughout the book,
instruc tions describe how to make a Turk’s Head particularly in Chapter 9, where Turk’s Head Knots
Knot of seven bights and six leads. This means there are also made cylindrically instead of flat.